Significant Events in Science and Technology of 1739
Earth Sciences
The year 1739 witnessed a Plinian eruption of the Mount Tarumae volcano in Japan, marking a significant geological event.
Exploration
On January 1, French explorer Jean-Baptiste Charles Bouvet de Lozier discovered Bouvet Island in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Mathematics
In the realm of mathematics, Leonhard Euler made a remarkable contribution by solving the general homogeneous linear ordinary differential equation with constant coefficients. Additionally, he invented the tonnetz (German for “tone-network”), a conceptual lattice diagram depicting a two-dimensional tonal pitch space based on the relationships between musical pitches in just intonation.
Physics
The influential physicist Émilie du Châtelet published her work Dissertation sur la nature et la propagation du feu, contributing to the understanding of fire and heat propagation.
Awards
In recognition of his contributions, Stephen Hales was awarded the prestigious Copley Medal.
Societies
On June 2, the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences was founded in Stockholm by notable figures including Linnaeus and Mårten Triewald.
Births
- William Hewson (November 14) – English surgeon, anatomist, and physiologist, known as the “father of haematology” (died 1774)
- Pierre Samuel du Pont de Nemours (December 14) – French industrialist (died 1817)
- Israel Lyons – English mathematician and botanist (died 1775)
Deaths
- Nicholas Saunderson (April 19) – English scientist and mathematician (born 1682)
- Nicolas Sarrabat (April 27) – French scientist, astronomer, and mathematician (born 1698)